FBXO36 is a 188 amino acid protein that contains one forty amino acid F-box region, making it a member of the F-box protein family. F-box proteins are critical components of the SCF (Skp1-CUL-1-F-box protein) type E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and are involved in substrate recognition and recruitment for ubiquitination. These proteins regulate essential cellular processes including cell cycle progression, immune response, signaling cascades, and developmental programs by targeting proteins such as cyclins, cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, IkB-å and β-catenin for degradation via the proteasome after ubiquitination. Functioning as a component of the SCF complex, FBXO36 specifically recognizes and binds to select phosphorylated proteins, thereby promoting their ubiquitination and subsequent degradation .
FBXO36 antibodies are available in various formats with different specifications as detailed in the table below:
| Characteristic | Common Specifications |
|---|---|
| Host | Primarily rabbit, some mouse options available |
| Clonality | Both polyclonal and monoclonal (e.g., clone 3D3) |
| Formats | Unconjugated, FITC-conjugated, HRP-conjugated, Biotin-conjugated |
| Applications | WB (1:300-5000), ELISA (1:500-1000), IHC-P (1:200-400), IHC-F (1:100-500), IF(IHC-P) (1:50-200), IF(IHC-F) (1:50-200), IF(ICC) (1:50-200) |
| Reactivity | Primary: Human, Mouse; Predicted: Rat, Dog, Cow, Sheep, Horse, Guinea Pig, Pig |
| Immunogen | Various ranges: N-terminal region, AA 1-100/188, AA 32-81, AA 66-165 |
| Storage | Typically at -20°C for one year; avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles |
| Buffer | Often 0.01M TBS(pH7.4) with 1% BSA, 0.02% Proclin300 and 50% Glycerol |
Research applications require careful selection of the appropriate antibody specifications based on the experimental design, target species, and detection method .
Effective antibody validation requires a multi-faceted approach:
Positive and negative controls: Include tissues or cell lines known to express FBXO36 (positive control) and those with minimal expression (negative control).
Multiple detection methods: Cross-validate results using different techniques (Western blot, immunofluorescence, ELISA) to ensure consistent detection.
Peptide competition assay: Pre-incubate the antibody with the immunizing peptide to confirm binding specificity.
Knockout/knockdown validation: Compare staining in wild-type cells versus FBXO36 knockout or knockdown samples to verify specificity.
Cross-reactivity assessment: Test against tissues from multiple species to confirm predicted reactivity patterns.
Dilution optimization: Perform a titration series to identify the optimal antibody concentration that maximizes signal-to-noise ratio.
These methodological steps are critical for establishing antibody specificity and reliability before proceeding with experimental applications 11.
When studying FBXO36 protein interactions, rigorous experimental controls should include:
Input control: Sample of cell lysate before immunoprecipitation to verify target protein expression.
Isotype control: Immunoprecipitation with an irrelevant antibody of the same isotype to identify non-specific binding.
Other F-box protein controls: Include closely related F-box proteins (e.g., FBXO4, FBXO22) as comparative controls, as research has shown differential behavior between F-box proteins in certain cellular contexts .
No-antibody control: Processing samples without antibody to identify non-specific protein binding to beads.
Reciprocal co-immunoprecipitation: Validate interactions by immunoprecipitating with antibodies against suspected interacting partners.
Cell cycle synchronization controls: When studying cell cycle-dependent interactions, include synchronized cells at different cell cycle stages, as research has shown some F-box proteins exhibit cell cycle-dependent modifications while FBXO36 does not show similar band shifts during mitosis .
This comprehensive control strategy minimizes false positives and provides robust validation of protein-protein interactions .
To investigate FBXO36's role in the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway, implement the following methodological approach:
Substrate identification:
Perform IP-MS (immunoprecipitation followed by mass spectrometry) to identify potential FBXO36 substrates
Validate interactions with co-immunoprecipitation using FBXO36 antibodies
Confirm direct binding through in vitro binding assays with purified proteins
Ubiquitination assays:
Conduct in vivo ubiquitination assays by co-expressing FBXO36, potential substrates, and HA-tagged ubiquitin
Perform in vitro ubiquitination using purified components of the SCF complex including FBXO36
Use proteasome inhibitors (MG132) to accumulate ubiquitinated proteins for detection
Substrate stability assays:
Structure-function analysis:
Create F-box domain mutants to disrupt SCF complex formation
Identify substrate recognition domains through deletion mapping
Analyze how mutations affect substrate ubiquitination and degradation
This systematic approach provides comprehensive insights into FBXO36's specific role in targeting proteins for proteasomal degradation .
To investigate FBXO36 expression in disease models, implement a multi-level analysis strategy:
Transcript-level analysis:
qRT-PCR to quantify FBXO36 mRNA expression across disease states and control tissues
RNA-seq to identify correlation patterns with other genes in disease pathways
Single-cell RNA-seq to identify cell type-specific expression changes
Protein-level detection:
Functional correlations:
Correlate FBXO36 expression with levels of known or suspected target proteins
Perform interaction studies (co-IP) to identify disease-specific binding partners
Monitor cellular phenotypes associated with altered FBXO36 levels
Model systems:
Compare expression between normal and disease tissues in human samples
Utilize mouse models to track expression changes during disease progression
Employ cell line models that recapitulate disease states for mechanistic studies
This comprehensive approach enables meaningful correlation of FBXO36 expression patterns with disease pathogenesis .
When troubleshooting Western blot issues with FBXO36 antibodies, consider this methodical approach:
Antibody-specific optimization:
Sample preparation enhancement:
Detection system optimization:
Use enhanced chemiluminescence (ECL) substrates with appropriate sensitivity
Consider signal amplification systems for low-abundance detection
Optimize exposure times based on FBXO36's expected expression level
Non-specific binding reduction:
Increase blocking time/concentration (5% BSA may be more effective than milk for some antibodies)
Add 0.1-0.5% Tween-20 in washing steps
Use more stringent washing conditions (higher salt concentration)
Pre-absorb antibody with proteins from non-relevant species
Protein size verification:
These systematic adjustments address the most common technical challenges encountered with FBXO36 detection .
To maintain optimal FBXO36 antibody performance over time, implement these evidence-based storage and handling practices:
Temperature management:
Store antibodies at -20°C for long-term storage as recommended by manufacturers
Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles that can lead to antibody degradation
Prepare small working aliquots to minimize freeze-thaw events
Allow antibodies to equilibrate to room temperature before opening to prevent condensation
Buffer considerations:
Handling protocols:
Centrifuge vials briefly before opening to collect liquid at the bottom
Use sterile pipette tips when handling antibody solutions
Minimize exposure to light for fluorophore-conjugated antibodies
Document lot numbers and performance characteristics for reproducibility
Quality control measures:
Perform regular validation tests on stored antibodies
Include positive controls in each experiment to verify antibody activity
Monitor signal-to-noise ratio over time to detect potential degradation
Shipping and transfer considerations:
Proper antibody management is critical for experimental reproducibility and reliability, particularly for antibodies targeting proteins like FBXO36 that may be expressed at lower levels .
When faced with contradictory results between different detection methods for FBXO36, implement this structured analytical approach:
Technique-specific considerations:
Western blot detects denatured protein, revealing size and abundance
Immunohistochemistry/immunofluorescence shows spatial distribution but may be affected by fixation methods
ELISA quantifies native protein but may miss conformational changes
Antibody epitope analysis:
Expression level assessment:
FBXO36 may be expressed at different levels across tissues and cell types
Sensitivity differences between methods may explain discrepancies
Use quantitative methods (qPCR for mRNA) to complement protein detection
Cross-reactivity evaluation:
Verify if contradictory results stem from cross-reactivity with related proteins
F-box proteins share structural similarities that could lead to non-specific binding
Compare results against knockout/knockdown controls when possible
Integrated data interpretation strategy:
Weight results based on methodological strengths and limitations
Consider biological context when interpreting conflicting data
Use orthogonal approaches (functional assays) to resolve contradictions
Document all contradictions transparently in research reports
When analyzing potential FBXO36 interacting partners, apply this comprehensive analytical framework:
Interaction strength and specificity analysis:
Functional categorization of interactors:
Group interacting proteins by biological function (cell cycle, signaling, etc.)
Identify enriched pathways using gene ontology analysis
Analyze protein domains that might mediate interactions with FBXO36
Post-translational modification analysis:
Temporal dynamics assessment:
Validation hierarchy:
Rank interactions based on validation strength (detection by multiple methods)
Prioritize interactions confirmed by reciprocal co-IP and functional assays
Consider evolutionary conservation of interactions across species
This structured approach provides a comprehensive framework for distinguishing biologically relevant FBXO36 interactions from experimental artifacts .
Several promising research directions can advance our understanding of FBXO36's role in cellular homeostasis:
Substrate identification and characterization:
Implement proteome-wide approaches (BioID, IP-MS) to identify novel FBXO36 substrates
Characterize the structural and sequence determinants that mediate substrate recognition
Develop computational models to predict potential FBXO36 targets based on known substrates
Regulatory mechanisms investigation:
Explore how FBXO36 expression and activity are regulated at transcriptional and post-translational levels
Identify kinases responsible for phosphorylating FBXO36 substrates to prime them for recognition
Investigate whether FBXO36 itself undergoes regulated degradation
Tissue-specific functions:
Pathological implications:
Unlike FBXO6, which promotes cancer cell growth and disrupts chromosome segregation when overexpressed , FBXO36's potential role in pathological conditions remains unexplored
Investigate FBXO36 expression in cancer and other diseases
Assess correlations between FBXO36 levels and disease progression or therapeutic response
Therapeutic potential assessment:
Evaluate FBXO36 as a potential drug target for conditions involving dysregulated protein degradation
Develop strategies to modulate specific FBXO36-substrate interactions
Screen for small molecules that can inhibit or enhance FBXO36 activity
These research directions could significantly advance our understanding of FBXO36's physiological and pathological roles .
Advanced imaging techniques offer powerful approaches to investigate FBXO36 dynamics:
Super-resolution microscopy applications:
Live-cell imaging strategies:
Generate fluorescent protein-tagged FBXO36 constructs for real-time visualization
Implement FRAP (Fluorescence Recovery After Photobleaching) to measure FBXO36 mobility
Use FRET-based sensors to detect FBXO36-substrate interactions in living cells
Multi-channel co-localization analysis:
Simultaneously visualize FBXO36, SCF complex components, and potential substrates
Quantify co-localization coefficients under different cellular conditions
Track changes in localization patterns throughout the cell cycle
Correlative light and electron microscopy (CLEM):
Combine fluorescence microscopy with EM to visualize FBXO36 in the context of cellular ultrastructure
Implement immunogold labeling for precise subcellular localization
Map FBXO36 distribution relative to proteasomes and other degradation machinery
Tissue imaging applications:
Apply multiplexed immunofluorescence to analyze FBXO36 expression in complex tissues
Use tissue clearing techniques for 3D visualization of FBXO36 distribution
Implement in situ proximity ligation assays to detect protein-protein interactions in intact tissues